Arabella Holmes–yes, daughter of that Holmes–wants to return to her job as a purveyor of abnormal science. She has temporarily been demoted to a botanist, until her love interest, Henry Watson–yes, that Watson–can help her get her less-than-professional outbursts in check.Henry is tired of his new role as doctor, tired of the lack of adventure, and tired of keeping Bella’s escapades out of … the papers. Five girls are missing. Gone from locked rooms in their own houses. Arabella and Henry are called upon to help solve the kidnappings, but all they unearth is more danger. Bella ventures undercover into a lunatic asylum, where a mute woman assaults her and scrawls the chilling words–Here the dead wake. Plus, a vial of Bella’s research poison has gone missing. Bella and Henry must find it, and the missing girls, before charges can be brought against her.
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Having in view what happens in Here Walk the Dead saying that it was a fun read could be a little too much… but it was a fun, refreshing story in the sense that the author succeeded to get my attention with the main plot but also with the romantic aspects well embedded in the general flow of the story.
As it was known from the first volume or, if you didn’t read it, from the description of this second book, the series is about the (probable) couple formed by the descendants of (in)famous Holmes and honorable Dr. Watson “yes, those Holmes and Watson”. Inheriting and enriching some of their fathers’ features, “physically incapable of staying out of trouble,” the young Arabella and Henry are interesting; they do not perform under the shadow of the names Holmes and Watson, but carry on the tradition. I really liked them.
I liked the romance side of the story. It comes with doubts, insecurities, passion, and desire even jealousy. There is heat and there is decency. Brynn Chapman played with inspiration the romantic cards. Using different points of view, the author gave us a detailed complex view of the feelings between characters, goading us to choose a side.
The same inspiration allowed to Mrs. Chapman to bring Here Walk the Dead on the edge of the “dark” side of the mystery / suspense / thriller stories but, in the same time, to keep things under control and close enough to the light. This way, there is still hope there is still room for second chances. The real political, economic and social problems of early 1900 are not forgotten but used to fuel and back up the deeds of the characters.
The pace is an allegro, but there are also scenes in adante and presto tempos, depending on their nature and purpose. As the whole, they support the increasing tension that culminates in a life and death situation. Casualties? Yes. The possibility of a new chapter? Yes, and I cannot wait to read it!
Enjoy!
(edited)
Sherlock Holmes meets a sort of Adolf Hitler
Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead by Brynn Chapman is a compelling novel. Very different from the first one but still very Sherlock Holmesy. His daughter though is at it again and getting things done her way.
What I like:
• Arabella and Henry are still the main two characters and are very much in love. Well, at least as much in love as a Holmes can really show.
• We met her friend, Oliver, that she mentioned in the last book and he is a fascinating character. Oliver does have unattainable expectations for Arabella.
• Once Arabella gets her mind set on doing some things that is it. She is very much like Sherlock when he is trying to solve it.
• Newton is a smart and loyal dog, and without him, I believe that they will never be able to solve their cases. Newton is like Sherlock’s Toby.
• The villain, Frederick Stygian is definitely Arabella’s own James Moriarty.
What I dislike
Mostly, I dislike that Arabella doesn’t communicate well with Henry. If she would have told Henry what she believed perhaps things would have been different. Also, Henry should know better than to try and keep anything from Arabella. Then again if it weren’t for those things wouldn’t have had a good story.
The last thing, I didn’t care for the whole insane aslyum part of it. I know though that back in 1911 that happened more than we realized. Also, the setting made since I am happy that we have risen past that at this time.
Four Stars
I am giving Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead by Brynn Chapman a four-star rating because it was good but not as fabulous as the first one. Also, I am still in love with Holmes and Watson the next generation. Yet, there were lots of changes and a couple of plot twists that I didn’t agree with.
I recommend this book to fans of Sherlock. It is a good read.
If you are interested there is an author interview on the review on my site along with a giveaway and blog tour information.
Anyway until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by,
Baroness Book Trove.
I received this book for free from Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead continues the story of the children of Sherlock Holmes and Dr John H Watson in this second installment of the Boneseeker series. Arabella Holmes and Dr Henry Watson finds themselves in yet another mystery of solving the disappearance of five women. Henry finds himself trying to save Arabella from danger. This is one suspense filled and fun read. I had to have it read in one sitting.
I give Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead four and a half stars. I hope there will be another book in the Boneseeker series. I enjoy catching up with Arabella and Henry and seeing what adventure they will get into next. They are quite the pair and I love how they interact with one another.
I recommend Boneseeker: Here Walk the Dead, as well as, the beginning to this series, Boneseeker.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.